He called me "Mr. Camden " when I addressed him as my old friend, and he clearly did not welcome the compliment I gave him just now.Is something going on? I feel he's not happy to see me. Wait. Is he trying to distance himself from me because I'm a businessman while he's a man of ranksfThis must be it, but I don't care.He might think he can look down on me because he's powerful, but he clearly forgot that even the most powerful man has to bend before money.
Bowen placated his worry and put up a friendly face. He was here to request Zach's help in dealing with Nathan, so he had to make sure he landed on
Zach's good side.
Drawing from his social skills, Bowen dismissed Zach's apathetic attitude and continued the conversation. “Indeed, we were kids back then, but I knew you would be someone exceptional when you grew up. I saw that talent in you, and bravo, you turned out to be even more successful than I thought.”
Zach was speechless.
Seeing the commander not replying, Bowen went on to recount their good old times. He talked about the fun they had together, the mischief they did together, and the memories they shared—everything but the reason for his visit.
Zach obviously saw through him, but he decided not to expose him. Instead, he played along and they talked for two whole hours until Zach finally calibrated the conversation in a different direction.
He looked at Bowen's left leg and spoke, “I hope you don't find this intrusive, but I've been wondering what happened to your leg?”
Bowen quickly faked some tears in his eyes. “You see,” he said chokingly, “I offended a brute and got myself into trouble. I really don't deserve this.
This is actually why I came to see you today. I hope you'll be able to help me get back at this person for old time's sake.”
A brute? Zach did not know if he should feel amused or angry.
Just as he was about to answer Bowen, Marcelo came in and whispered in his ears.
Zachary smiled and looked at Bowen. “It's lunchtime. I've got a meal prepared. Why not we continue our conversation over lunch?”
Bowen was exhilarated to be invited to stay back for lunch. He knew people in Eurasia liked talking over meals. He figured it would be good to lay his cards on the table later and let Zach know how much he could offer if the commander could help him.
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